Season: 2-1
Columbia +21.5
While the Ivy has been my best bet the last couple of seasons, I must tell you I haven't seen this year's Lions team practice/play so I'm making this play based on what I've read/heard.
Columbia lost 4 of 5 starters to graduation but returns Center Chris Wiedmann, who is a solid defender in the middle. A couple of seniors and Juco transfers should continue Columbia's tradition of tough D.
Rutgers returns 4 of 5 starters but haven't improved their weakness in terms of rebounding. They get most of their points from the outside and have a couple of guys who like to throw up the 3 (Coleman will put it up from mid-court if he's got an open shot!!!!)
Rutgers has the better athletes and play well at home (15-2 last season) but they may be guilty of a look-ahead to NC and come in to this game a little over confident.
Unless they've changed dramatically from last year, Rutgers turns the ball over a lot and plays an undisciplined playground style of ball which might be very frustrated by Columbia's slow-paced methodical game. Plus Columbia has a slight edge on the boards so if Rutgers outside shots aren't falling, Columbia should be able to keep this one close.
I like the points here.
Columbia +21.5
While the Ivy has been my best bet the last couple of seasons, I must tell you I haven't seen this year's Lions team practice/play so I'm making this play based on what I've read/heard.
Columbia lost 4 of 5 starters to graduation but returns Center Chris Wiedmann, who is a solid defender in the middle. A couple of seniors and Juco transfers should continue Columbia's tradition of tough D.
Rutgers returns 4 of 5 starters but haven't improved their weakness in terms of rebounding. They get most of their points from the outside and have a couple of guys who like to throw up the 3 (Coleman will put it up from mid-court if he's got an open shot!!!!)
Rutgers has the better athletes and play well at home (15-2 last season) but they may be guilty of a look-ahead to NC and come in to this game a little over confident.
Unless they've changed dramatically from last year, Rutgers turns the ball over a lot and plays an undisciplined playground style of ball which might be very frustrated by Columbia's slow-paced methodical game. Plus Columbia has a slight edge on the boards so if Rutgers outside shots aren't falling, Columbia should be able to keep this one close.
I like the points here.
